Kevin Costner and Christine Baumgartner's Marriage Ends After 18 Years

Hollywood has seen its fair share of high-profile relationships come and go, and the latest to join the list is the 18-year marriage of Kevin Costner and Christine Baumgartner. The couple, who have been a staple in entertainment news, have officially finalized their divorce, marking the end of nearly two decades together.

The finalization took place in a Santa Barbara court, nine months after Baumgartner petitioned for divorce. The court documents confirmed the approval of the Marital Settlement Agreement (MSA), stating, “The Court finds that the Parties’ agree that the MSA is fair and reasonable. The court approves the MSA in its entirety.”

This divorce journey began in May 2023 when Baumgartner filed for divorce, citing irreconcilable differences. The estranged couple reached a settlement agreement in September, adhering to California’s requirement of a six-month period after filing before a divorce can be finalized.

The initial stages of the split were marked by contention, particularly over child support and the validity of their prenuptial agreement. Baumgartner initially requested $248,000 in monthly child support for their three children. However, after a temporary order for $129,755 per month, the final judgment was significantly lower, with Costner being responsible for $63,209 in monthly child support payments.

The couple’s three children, Cayden, Hayes, and Grace, will receive varying amounts of child support, totaling $63,209 each month. Additionally, Costner will cover health care, private school tuition, extracurricular activities, and car expenses for their oldest son.

Despite the financial and legal complexities, the couple has agreed to joint legal and physical custody of their children, with a holiday schedule included in the MSA.

Costner, known for his roles in Yellowstone and classic films like Dances With Wolves and The Bodyguard, has been candid about the emotional toll of the divorce. He shared with Fox News Digital, “You know, when you have a life that long with somebody, there is no winner … and it’s this big, crazy thing called life and how it unravels so quickly.”

As for co-parenting, Costner expressed confidence in their ability to work together, praising Baumgartner as an “incredible mom” and expressing a commitment to sharing responsibilities.

The couple’s history dates back to their first meeting at a golf course in 1996 and their subsequent marriage in 2004 at Costner’s Aspen ranch. This was Costner’s second marriage; he was previously married to Cindy Silva and has four adult children from previous relationships.

As they move forward, both Costner and Baumgartner have asked for privacy as they navigate this new chapter in their lives. The dissolution of their marriage is a reminder of the complexities and challenges that come with ending long-term relationships, even in the public eye.

The entertainment industry will undoubtedly continue to follow Costner’s career and personal life, but for now, the focus is on the family’s adjustment to their new normal.